Alan Shearer has given his thoughts on Anthony Gordon’s cameo after the Newcastle United striker had to wait until the closing minutes to play for England in another painful Euro 2024 draw.
The Three Lions finished first in their group in Germany, but they enter the knockout stages with little impetus following lackluster draws with Denmark and Slovenia.
England needed a win on Tuesday night to secure top spot, so it was unexpected to see only one change, with Conor Gallagher replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, Gareth Southgate’s critics will surely argue that they anticipated little else.
They were in a precarious position as stoppage time approached in the second half against Slovenia. Jan Oblak had been given little to work with, and a victory for Denmark in the other game would have put England on what appears to be the tougher side of the draw.
Alan Shearer questions Anthony Gordon following England’s lackluster draw
Southgate did give Anthony Gordon his first minutes of the tournament, but the Newcastle star only appeared in the last moments in Cologne.
Gordon was able to have a greater influence than most of his teammates, even though he dribbled the ball out of play on his first touch. Finally, England fans witnessed a level of passion they had not seen all evening.
He then made a spectacular pass, allowing Cole Palmer to get a shot away. Alan Shearer acknowledged on The Rest Is Football that he is surprised Gordon isn’t playing more.